Democracy Beyond Elections Webinar Series: Citizens’ Assemblies and Institutional Reform

Can Citizens’ Assemblies Revitalize American Democracy?

What if everyday people — not career politicians — were entrusted to shape the laws and policies that affect their communities? Across the country, a quiet democratic experiment is underway to test exactly that.

Citizens’ assemblies bring together a representative cross-section of residents, selected by lottery, to study an issue, hear from experts, deliberate, and recommend solutions. It’s a model that has helped countries like Ireland break deadlocks on contentious issues. In the United States, the idea is gaining traction—from Bend, Oregon to Boulder, Colorado—yet history reminds us that earlier waves of deliberative democracy often failed to take root.

On Thursday, September 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET), join Columbia World Projects, New America’s Political Reform program, and FIDE – North America for a timely online conversation about the past, present, and future of citizens’ assemblies in America.

Featuring Jenny Mansbridge, Adams Professor of Political Leadership and Democratic Values Emerita at Harvard Kennedy School, and Matt Leighninger, Director of the Center for Democracy Innovation at the National Civic League, the discussion will explore:

• What we can learn from America’s surprisingly rich — if uneven — history of deliberative democracy?
• How are current experiments tackling polarization and restoring trust?
• Where do assemblies fit into broader institutional reform movements?

Moderated by Marjan Ehsassi, Executive Director of FIDE – North America, this conversation is part of an ongoing series bringing together leading democracy scholars and changemakers to reimagine how government can better serve the people it represents.

Whether you’re a student, policymaker, community organizer, or simply curious about new ways to strengthen democracy, this is a chance to engage with practical ideas and proven methods for making governance more inclusive, responsive, and resilient.

Register now to join the discussion and become part of America’s democratic future.